Hypothyroidism - Low Thyroid - Weight Loss

Is your Thyroid Sabotaging your Energy and Weight Loss?

Thyroid Imbalances:

Your thyroid is the master gland of metabolism and energy – could yours be underactive? We know that 59 million Americans have a thyroid condition, and most are hypothyroid – meaning they have a poorly functioning or slow thyroid.

Hypothyroidism:

Most people with hypothyroidism aren't diagnosed until they present with advanced disease – meanwhile, they suffer various symptoms without realizing they have thyroid imbalance, or worse they go to doctors who explain away their symptoms as depression or emotional related. In 2003 the American Association of Endocrinologists announced that doctors are failing to properly diagnose hypothyroidism because the standard laboratory ranges for TSH are inaccurate.

Dr Smolenski doesn’t just rely on a simple TSH test to diagnose thyroid disease. In order to fully evaluate you for hypothyroidism we must also look at the free levels of Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), along with reverse T3 and Thyroid antibodies. These highly sensitive blood tests along with a thorough history, review of systems, family and social history and physical exam are needed to accurately diagnose and treat thyroid imbalances.

Signs of Hypothyroidism:

With hypothyroidism "everything is thicker, slower and drier":

Weight Gain

Hair Loss

Brittle hair and nails

Thick, dry, coarse skin

Chronic constipation

Feeling cold (especially hands and feet)
even on warm days

Low basal temperature

Fatigue, exhaustion and low energy
(even after 12 hours sleep)

Brain fog and Indecisiveness

Poor memory and concentration

Sluggishness

Muscle weakness

Pain and stiffness in muscles or joints

Depression, mood swings and severe PMS

High cholesterol

Menstrual cycle irregularities (prolonged and heavy)

Infertility

Numbness and tingling (especially in hands and face)

Fluid retention (swelling of face and feet)

Using a functional medicine approach, Dr Smolenski will also assess you for conditions that are associated with hypothyroidism including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal fatigue, nutritional and iodine deficiencies, chronic infectious diseases, intestinal dysbiosis, food allergies and environmental toxins.

Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism will accelerate your body's metabolism, causing sudden weight loss, a rapid or irregular heart rate, sweats, and nervousness. Hyperthyroidism often mimics other health conditions, which may make it difficult for your doctor to correctly diagnose. It can also cause a variety of symptoms including:

Sudden weight loss

Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

Increased appetite

Nervousness, anxiety, irritability

Tremors

Increased sensitivity to heat

Frequent bowel movements

Fatigue, muscle weakness

Difficulty sleeping

Sweating

Changes in menstrual patterns

Older adults are more likely to have either no signs or symptoms or subtle ones, such as weight loss, depression or a tendency to become tired during ordinary activities. Medications called beta blockers, which are commonly used for high blood pressure, can mask many of the signs of hyperthyroidism.

Dr Smolenski’s Therapy Program for Thyroid Imbalances

Dr Smolenski uses an integrative, research-based healthcare approach to treat thyroid illness and promote wellness by focusing on the bio-chemically unique aspects of each patient. He will tailor an individual treatment plan just for you to restore physiological, psychological, and structural balance. Dr Smolenski focuses on the individual’s unique physiological processes, the environmental inputs, and the genetic predispositions that influence health and disease. Dr Smolenski’s interventions will treat the cause of thyroid disease, not just mask the symptoms. The body’s hormonal and physiological systems have a complex web-like interconnection which is much like a "symphony" - when the body’s "instruments" are finely tuned and playing together in harmony there will be beautiful music.

Ongoing evaluations that focus on balancing your hormones in accordance with your symptoms is critical for an effective hormone program

To determine your individual needs, state of the art diagnostic testing utilizing urine and blood specimens are used to assess your thyroid balance. After starting hormone therapy, Dr Smolenski meets with you to discuss your progress and symptoms and to monitor your hormone levels.